Oxford planning panel backs 16-unit "New Roots" neuroinclusive micro-home community on Hester Road

Oxford’s Planning Commission on [date not specified] voted to approve a staff recommendation to advance the New Roots Micro Home Community — a 16-unit, neuroinclusive micro-home subdivision at 5234 Hester Road — to city council with waivers and conditions.

The commission approved the preliminary subdivision and preliminary/final plan development with staff-recommended conditions and three waivers: reductions to some parcel setbacks (north/east from 25 to 20 feet, south from 25 to 10 feet), an open-space waiver (projected open space about 13% versus a 20% code minimum), and a request to waive three required parking spaces (code requires 32 spaces for 16 units; three garages account for three spaces). The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Bracken and seconded with staff recommendations; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval from the commissioners present.

Why it matters: developers and the city framed the project as an innovative approach to a statewide shortage of accessible, affordable homeownership for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Developer and operator Inclusive Housing Resources will help manage long-term occupancy and the homeowner association (HOA), and Empower Me Living said the model protects homeownership assets for low-income buyers who rely on means-tested benefits.

Staff and developer presentations

City planner Sam Perry (staff) presented site history and context, noting the city owns the parcel and that a previously approved plan did not proceed. Perry outlined the design: a single private street with a hammerhead turnaround that meets…